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Tired of DIY going to buy a platform

Oz1_Outdoors

New Member
Oct 22, 2019
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Just curious what everyone runs for a commercial platform and what they like about it and the other platforms they tried and dont like? I am going to buy one but dont know what one I want to get!
 

Gary330

Member
SH Member
Feb 1, 2019
70
27
18
42
Missouri
I had a DIY platform that didn't turn out the way I had hoped. That's the only other platform I've had besides the top of my sticks. This ridge runner is a big improvement.
 

Redoak47*

Well-Known Member
Sep 21, 2018
368
191
43
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Used the predator last season, for an extra fluffy guy with size 12 boots can be difficult to piss out of,the Ambush will be alot easier and since it's like standing on a treestand. And same thing with taking off side shots.
 
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Kyle Hey

Active Member
May 23, 2017
167
105
43
Pennsylvania
I really like the Ridge Runner, as others have said. I also just picked up the updated perch, I am still practiceing with it but it seems like a really solid option if you already run WE stepps. I have not used a predator, but they seem really nice as well.

I love the size and bite of the RR, really like for the size the price. The Perch is sooo light, a real minimalist option. If weight is not an issue, I would go with a larger platform.
 
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Oz1_Outdoors

New Member
Oct 22, 2019
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Thanks for the insight guys! I'm really between the ridgerunner and the lone wolf. Just not too keen on forking out the dough for the LW Ambush.
 

Patriot

Well-Known Member
Feb 10, 2019
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Predator Gen 2 is my favorite piece of kit and I can’t imagine that ever changing. Light effective comfortable easy to hang, can’t say enough.
 
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Westdesign03

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Nov 3, 2019
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Ohio
Thanks for the insight guys! I'm really between the ridgerunner and the lone wolf. Just not too keen on forking out the dough for the LW Ambush.

Not sure how you feel or think you would feel about the solid feeling of a platform. I can tell you having the platform feel rock solid is really important to me. I’m not super comfortable at heights to begin with. I love LW products. I own and have owned multiple products from them. I’m sure the ambush is great. However I’ve heard and seen in YouTube videos that the platform apparently flexes a bit under foot, especially towards the edges. I feel like this would really bother me, especially for the price of the thing. I’ve also seen that the bolt used on the button where the strap is attached can bend apparently under weight. Not sure if that’s within the rated weight range or not. But again something that would bother me for the price. It did look pretty thin to me for a weight bearing component. Not saying the ambush is a bad product. Just a few things to think about I guess.


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Highridge

Member
Jan 18, 2020
44
89
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Used to use my WE steps as a platform/ROS. Then built a diy out of an old stand. I never was happy with either option so I picked up the Predator. Absolutely love it and can't imagine going without it.
 

DanielB89

Well-Known Member
Nov 17, 2017
1,381
1,326
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Monroe, LA
I also had the predator and ambush as well as a ameristep ROS and WE steps. IMO, the actual platforms are for me. I love being able to stand and turn on it. It helps so much with the off side shot. The larger the better.
 

Flee

Well-Known Member
Jul 24, 2019
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I saved this picture for size comparison. Someone posted it a while back and I thought it’s a useful pic for all of us.
I think it depends on what you want. If you’re used to a smaller platform then the predator is great. I have the ridge runner because I thought it’s a nice compromise between a stand and a platform. Now the ambush is even more towards the size of a stand. I also like the perch or artisan for on top of sticks for super light few hour hunt. Decisions decisions
 

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Oz1_Outdoors

New Member
Oct 22, 2019
11
0
1
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I saved this picture for size comparison. Someone posted it a while back and I thought it’s a useful pic for all of us.
I think it depends on what you want. If you’re used to a smaller platform then the predator is great. I have the ridge runner because I thought it’s a nice compromise between a stand and a platform. Now the ambush is even more towards the size of a stand. I also like the perch or artisan for on top of sticks for super light few hour hunt. Decisions decisions
Thanks for the pic! Its definitely helpful to see all of them side by side.
 

Westdesign03

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Nov 3, 2019
1,941
1,558
113
39
Ohio
I saved this picture for size comparison. Someone posted it a while back and I thought it’s a useful pic for all of us.
I think it depends on what you want. If you’re used to a smaller platform then the predator is great. I have the ridge runner because I thought it’s a nice compromise between a stand and a platform. Now the ambush is even more towards the size of a stand. I also like the perch or artisan for on top of sticks for super light few hour hunt. Decisions decisions

Yes thank you! I’ve never seen all of them lined up together before. Very helpful.


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